QQQ vs ZAUG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr August
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ZAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +4.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +6.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -4.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 31, 2024 |
QQQ vs ZAUG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr August (ZAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while ZAUG returned +6.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 4.36% for ZAUG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.1% for ZAUG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -4.8% for ZAUG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ZAUG charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for ZAUG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or ZAUG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ZAUG charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or ZAUG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +6.64% for ZAUG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.53% for ZAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or ZAUG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.1% for ZAUG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs ZAUG -4.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and ZAUG?
QQQ and ZAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ZAUG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while ZAUG yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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